Calcium Supplements Before Menopause? Maybe

Wednesday, June 18, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — If you aren't getting enough calcium from your diet, you need a calcium supplement, regardless of your age. In many cases, women first need a supplement at menopause or in later years, but increasingly, calcium deficiency is seen in younger women, according to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

Ask your doctor how much calcium you need. Your need changes based on age and other health factors. If you need a supplement, there are many choices on what kind to take; when to take it for best absorption; and if it should be combined with vitamin D or other minerals.

Calcium supplementation is beneficial at any age when dietary intake is insufficient. There may be greater bone benefit at certain times in life — puberty and in the teenage years or in early menopause — but regardless of a women's age, calcium intake will benefit the bones as well as muscles and nerves.

Foods can provide all of the calcium you need. Some cereals have 1,000 milligrams (mg) elemental calcium per bowl. Combined with one-half cup of milk, it provides about 1,100 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium. Other good sources of calcium include dairy products; vegetables including broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts and kale; tofu; calcium-fortified juices, cereals and breads; and canned fish, such as salmon.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville
Erik Kaldor
904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368
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Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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